The field of data management, like many other sectors in the technological space, is at a pivotal crossroads. The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is shifting the landscape significantly, creating new requirements and redefining existing roles. This transformative wave is reshaping the core skills needed to thrive in this evolving data management sphere. 

One could venture to say that the role of today’s data management expert could become obsolete in just three years. However, obsolescence does not mean extinction. Instead, it suggests a metamorphosis of skills and responsibilities, a recalibration towards a future where at least 50% of a data management expert’s skillset will need to revolve around working with AI and understanding its complex relationship with data management.

Emerging AI-Specific Skill Requirements in Data Management

Data management experts have traditionally focused on ensuring data quality, maintaining databases, and facilitating data access. However, the rise of AI has disrupted this status quo, creating a pressing need for new capabilities. 

1. Understanding AI Algorithms and Models: Data professionals will need to familiarize themselves with the inner workings of AI, including various machine learning models and algorithms. This understanding will allow them to better prepare and structure the data to optimally feed these AI systems.

2. Data Preparation for AI: AI models require data that is clean, relevant, and appropriately labeled. Hence, data management professionals will need to acquire skills in data cleaning, preprocessing, and annotation specific to AI applications.

3. AI-Empowered Data Management: AI itself can also serve as a powerful tool for data management. AI can automate tasks such as data cleansing, integration, and metadata management. Thus, data professionals will need to learn how to incorporate AI into their data management strategies.

Creating Business Value Through AI and Data Management

While the shift in the skillset is one aspect, another significant change is the role that data management experts play in driving business value. In the AI era, the potential to transform raw data into actionable insights and competitive advantages is tremendous. 

Data management professionals will need to leverage their understanding of AI to ensure that businesses can capitalize on this potential. They will be tasked with aligning AI data strategies with business objectives, ensuring that data is not only well-managed but also effectively utilized to drive decision-making, innovation, and growth. 

They will also need to ensure data compliance and ethical AI practices, crucial aspects that can impact a company’s reputation and bottom line. 

A Seismic Shift, Not an End

So, while it’s true that the role of a data management expert as we know it today might become obsolete in a few years, it certainly doesn’t spell the end for these professionals. Instead, it marks the beginning of a more dynamic, AI-centric role, where data management experts will be at the forefront of leveraging AI’s transformative power.

Indeed, the future beckons data management professionals to upskill and adapt, to embrace the symbiotic relationship between data management and AI. Those who make this shift successfully will find themselves at the heart of their organizations’ strategic operations, harnessing the power of data and AI to drive business value and spearhead innovation in this brave new digital world.

One might call this new type of expert a D-AI-TA Management Expert!